A Little Rock-based engineering and architecture firm will begin developing plans for a new aquatic center after a resolution allowing the city to hire the firm was approved Thursday night by the Russellville City Council.

Perry Carr, vice president of ETC Engineers and Architects (ETC), said his firm will work with the city to develop plans for the aquatic center, consulting city officials for guidelines for the center.

But while the city entered the agreement Thursday, ETC Project Manager Mizan Rahman told aldermen the city would not be charged for the firm’s services unless the city decides to go forth with the plans once they’re developed.

“The only way we can afford to build the aquatic center and do some other major projects is if the city of Russellville extends the sales tax,” Horton said. “We’re not adding a tax ... we’re not going to add a tax rate, we want to extend (the current tax).”

If the project designs are approved and funding is secured for the center, Rahman said the engineering firm will charge 11 percent of the project’s construction costs. However, if the project is terminated, he said the firm will “walk away” without charging the city.

In other business, the Russellville City Council:

• Approved that a contract be developed between the Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development and CH Johnson Company of Chicago for a feasibility study for the Convention Center project.

• Passed a resolution authorizing the city to apply for a non-matching grant from Entergy for the Russellville Fire Department, to be spent on training and equipment for hazardous materials.

• Approved an appropriation of $305 from the administration fund for restitution for employees.

• Passed a resolution to destroy audio records prior to 2004 in accordance with state and federal records retention laws.

• Passed a resolution expressing the willingness of the city to utilize federal aid recreational funds to pay for 80 percent of a project that will extend a trail on Orbit Lane. The city will fund 20 percent.

• Approved a line item transfer of $9,240 for group insurance.

• Approved a resolution for the second time to remove or raze dilapidated structures at 107 Amy Lynn Place and 417 East B Street.

• Voted to re-appoint Toni Bachman to the Civil Service Commission.

• Approved a resolution scheduling a public hearing on Aug. 16 to discuss the potential closing of a portion of a 20-foot alley laying between the 500 blocks of F and G Streets.

• Passed an ordinance to vacate a portion of South Glenwood Avenue to re-align the intersection between the avenue and 2nd Street.

• Approved a rehabilitation agreement that will set guidelines to rehabilitate condemned properties within the city.